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THE 



BIRDS OF EAST PENNSYLVANIA 



AND NEW JERSEY 



BY 



WILLIAM P TURNBULL LLD 




PHILADELPHIA 

HENRY GRAMBO & CO CHESTNUT STREET 

1869 



n 



Presented by the author through the 

SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION, 



THE 



BIRDS OF EAST PENNSYLVANIA 
AND NEW JERSEY. 



' BY 



WILLIAM P. TURNBULL. LL.D. 

AUTHOR OF THE " BIRDS OF EAST LOTHIAN ; " 

MEMBER OF THE ACADEMY OF NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA J 

OF THE LYCEUM OF NATURAL HISTORT, NEW YORK; 

COP.RESPONDING MEMBER OF THE NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW, ETC. 



•aves, solatia ruris, 



Assuetum silvis, innocuumque genus, 
Quae facitis nidos, quae plumis ova fovetis, 
Et facili dulces editis ore modos. — Ovid. 




V 



o 



PHILADELPHIA: 

HEXRY GEAMBO & CO., CHESTNUT STREET. 

1869. 



ALEXANDRI WILSON I, 

TOT OPNieorXfiMOXOS, 

NOMINIS MEMORISE, 

NULLO IN JEVO OBLIVISCEND^E, 

HOCCE PARVTJLUM, 

AB EJUS MAXIMO OPERE DEDUCENS, 

UT RIVTJLUS AB OCEANO, 

PRIMORDITJM, 

GTTLIELMUS P. TURNBULL. 
D. D. 



Ipse dedit Genitor, silvosa Columbia curat, 
Arte suae prolis Scotia pinxit, aves. 



PREFACE. 



In preparing the following Catalogue, the object of the writer has 
been to present in a simple and compact form the. Ornithology of a 
small portion of North America, comprising that part of Pennsyl- 
vania eastward of the Alleghany Mountains, and of New Jersey, 
including the coast line which extends from Sandy Hook to Cape 
May. From the geographical position of the district it is particu- 
larly favourable for observation, being the resort, at some period of 
the year, of a large proportion of the birds of this continent; and, 
from the fact of its being the temporary resting-place of most of 
the migratory birds, there is probably no district of the same extent 
in this country that is frequented by such a number of species. 
A considerable number of our Summer visitants from the Gulf 
States and Mexico appear to make it their northern limit, while 
other flocks remain only a short period in Spring, and migrate still 
further north, penetrating as far as British America to breed ; and 
these again arrive in Autumn on their return journey to their 
Winter retreats. It may likewise be noted that the district is the 
southern limit of many species which breed at Hudson's Bay and 
the fur countries, and pass the Winter on the Delaware and Chesa- 
peake, thus forming a line of separation, so to speak, for the 
migratory flights of many interesting birds coming from opposite 
directions. 

On consulting the list, however, it will be remarked that the 
proportion of what may be considered resident birds is small. This 
fact seems to have attracted observation as far back as the time of 
Dr Benj. S. Barton, who published a work entitled " Fragments of 
Natural History" about seventy years ago, in which it is stated that 
in the district now spoken of, very few species remained all the year, 
and that even of these there appeared to have been a partial migra- 
tion in severe Winters; such birds, especially, as lived on insects 
and small fruits, being compelled to retire southwards — a fact still 
noticeable at the present day, many species that usually migrate 
remaining in mild and open Winters. Closer observation of late 
years, however, has enabled ornithologists to affirm with certainty 



VI PREFACE. 

that, of so-called migratory birds, a greater number pass the Winter 
with us than has been hitherto supposed. Of these, the Yellow- 
rump Warbler (Dendroica coronata) and the Blue Bird (Sialia 
sialis) may be cited as examples ; and it is very probable that in 
suitable localities, especially in the southern and warmer counties, 
many more will yet be found. 

The identity of some American species — chiefly water birds — 
with those of the Old World has long been a subject of anxious con- 
sideration among ornithologists, and with regard to a few of these 
there is still a diversity of opinion, a slight deviation in the size, and 
in the shade of the plumage being generally all that can be detected. 
In such cases a careful comparison of the habits, note, and nidifica- 
tion is of much importance, and cannot fail eventually to decide the 
question. In those instances where the birds are considered iden- 
tical, the original scientific names are given; but where a decided 
difference in the size of an average number of specimens occurs, the 
distinction is noted. Of these, the Duck Hawk (Falco anatum) 
may be mentioned as an example, but even in this case it may 
be fairly questioned whether the disparity does not arise from a 
more bountiful supply and greater variety of food enjoyed by the 
American bird, combined with a larger extent of hunting ground 
than falls to the lot of its European congener, the Peregrine Falcon. 
It has been conclusively proved that many birds of the same species 
from different localties in this country, vary not only in size, but also 
in plumage, specimens from the Pacific coast being generally darker 
in colour than those from the interior; and Professor Baird, in a 
recently published paper on the subject, has suggested that this is 
possibly the result of greater exposure to the elements, and a want 
of such protection as the dense inland forests afford. He also states, 
that " while some Florida birds are characterised by larger bills 
than their more northern brethren, several of the birds of the 
middle and western provinces have an increase in the length of the 
tail, as compared with the same or allied species in the east;" and, 
as if in corroboration of these views, the characters of each are often 
found united, in intermediate specimens, near the boundary line of 
their respective districts. 

In giving the dates of the arrival and departure of the various 
species enumerated, the writer wishes it to be understood that 
these are only mentioned as approximate, so much depending on 



PREFACE. VI I 

the season being early or late, in illustration of which, it may be 
stated, that the wet and backward weather throughout last spring 
(1867) delayed the arrival of the Warblers fully two weeks. It 
should also be mentioned, that the abundance or scarcity of each 
species has reference, unless when otherwise noted, not to any 
special locality, but to the whole district represented. 

The diffusion of well authenticated information regarding the 
distribution of American birds, is yet a matter for future observa- 
tion. There have been, no doubt, many important contributions 
on this subject, of late years, yet the field is so extensive that many 
years must elapse before we can lay claim to a thorough knowledge 
of many important particulars, which patient research and well- 
timed energy alone can solve. The author of the present little work, 
while claiming for it the merit of careful observation, extending 
over a period of several years, at the same time believes the plan 
of the Catalogue to be capable of attaining more useful results, if 
enlarged in proportion to the nature of the districts investigated. 
It is, therefore, to be hoped that accurate observers may undertake 
similar records, by means of which the next great work on the 
ornithology of our country may contain a better collection of facts, 
representing the phenomena of the remoter districts, than has yet 
been obtained. 

While making the usual acknowledgments to those who have so 
obligingly furnished the author with information, it gives him much 
pleasure to record his additional obligations to his friend, Mr 
Thomas S. Hutcheson, for his valuable services in superintending 
the work when passing through the press, and for other necessary 
aid, which, at this distance, is most thankfully appreciated. Nor 
must he omit to thank another friend and correspondent — Mr 
Robert Gray, Secretary to the Natural History Society of Glasgow 
— for useful notices regarding some of the birds of the remoter 
Hebrides of Scotland, between which district and some parts of 
our own continent there would appear to be an occasional inter- 
migration of species. On this subject, however, the author 
may at a future time, conjointly with that gentleman, bring 
all the ascertained facts and observations under the notice of 
ornithologists in a separate form. 

W. P. T. 

Philadelphia, January, 1809. 



NUMBER OF SPECIES. 

>S. Summer visitants 114 

W. Winter visitants 57 

8. & A. Pass through in Spring and Autumn 60 

Permanently resident 52 

Stragglers, or irregular visitants 59 

342 



THE 



BIRDS OF EAST PENNSYLVANIA 



AND NEW JERSEY. 



ORDER— RAPTORES. (Rapacious Birds.) 

Turkey Buzzard. . . Catkartes aura. Turkey Vultuke. 

Not uncommon. It is more fre- 
quently seen in Summer, but many- 
remain during the Winter. It breeds 
along the sea-coast of southern New 
Jersey. 



6 BIllDS OF EAST PENNSYLVANIA. 

Golden Eagle. . . . Aquila chrysaetos. King- tailed 

Eagle. Very rare. A few are seen 
almost every Autumn. (S. & A.) 

Bald Eagle Haliaetus leucocephalus. White- 
headed Eagle. Bather rare, and 
oftener seen in Spring, haunting the 
Delaware and larger streams inland. 
It breeds in New Jersey, on the 
sea-coast. 

Fish Hawk Pandion Carolinensis. Osprey. Not 

uncommon, especially about Great 
Egg Harbour, where it nestles in large 
communities. It arrives in the end 
of March, and departs early in Octo- 
ber. Very closely allied to Pandion 
haliaetus of the Old World — the 
difference being so slight as to make 
it almost a variety. (S.) 

Duck Hawk Falco anatum. Great Footed Hawk. 

Eare. During Autumn and Winter 
it frequents the marshes along the 
sea-coast and the courses of rivers, 
preying upon wild fowl. It breeds 
on the Alleghanies and the cliffs 
bordering the Susquehanna. This 
bird is very like the Falco peregrinus 
of Europe, but is larger, and is now 
believed to be a distinct species. 

Pigeon Hawk. . . . Falco columbarius. Bullet Hawk. 

A daring plunderer in poultry yards. 
It migrates in Spring to the north, 
where it breeds, returning in the 
Autumn. At this season, .and also 
in Winter, it is not uncommon. (W.) 

Sparrow Hawk. . . . Falco sparverius. This beautiful little 

Hawk is plentifully distributed. 

Goshawk Astur atricapillus. Eare, arriving 

early in September from the North. 
Audubon mentions having found its 



BIRDS OF EAST PENNSYLVANIA. 



Cooper's Hawk. . . 
Sharp-shinned Hawk. 

Red-tailed Hawk. . 

Red-shouldered Hawk. 

Broad-winged Hawk. 
Rough-legged Buzzard. 
Black Hawk. . . . 



Marsh Hawk. 



nest in Pennsylvania. It is distinct 
from A. palumbarius of Europe. (W.) 

Accipiter Cooper ii. Plentiful. It 
nestles on the mountain ridges of 
the Alleghanies. 

Accipiter fuscus. Slate-coloueed 
Hawk. Abundant, building its 
nest on trees, but one was found, 
near Philadelphia, on the edge of a 
high rock. 

Buteo borealis. Hen Hawk. Chicken 
Hawk. Common. Much more fre- 
quent in Autumn and Winter, haunt- 
ing meadows and cultivated districts. 

Buteo lineatus. Winter Falcon. 
Common, and especially along the 
sea-shore, but most abundant in 
Winter. 

Buteo Pennsylv aniens. Kare. This 
Hawk is also more frequently seen 
in Winter. 

Archibuteo lagopus. Not uncommon. 
May be seen coursing along rivers 
and marshes in Winter. (W.) 

Archibuteo Sancti-Johannis. Eather 
rare. It is generally found sailing 
at a low flight over the marshy flats 
of the Delaware and other large 
rivers. This is a northern species, 
but its nest has been once found in 
New Jersey. (W.) 

Circus Hudsonius. Mouse Hawk. 
Harrier. Abundant on the salt 
marshes of the Jersey coast and on 
the Delaware. It seems more com- 
mon in Winter, and is seldom met 
with in mature plumage. It is 
somewhat larger than Circus cyaneus 
of Europe, but closely allied. 



8 BIRDS OF EAST PENNSYLVANIA. 

Barn Owl Strix pratincola. Not rare, and more 

frequent in Spring and Autumn. Its 
nest is generally found in a hollow 
tree near marshy meadows. It is a 
larger bird than Stria flammea of 
Europe, and a distinct species. 

Great Horned Owl. . . Bubo Virginianus. Cat Owl. Bather 

rare. It is found in the deep recesses 
of swampy woods, where it breeds. 
It has become, of late years, much 
less plentiful, although frequently 
seen in Winter. 

Mottled Owl Scops asio. Sceeech Owl. Abundant. 

The young, called the Bed Owl, was 
long considered a distinct species. 

Long-eared Owl. . . Otus Wilsonianus. Bather rare. Its 

nest has been occasionally found in 
the woods near Philadelphia. It is 
more frequently met with in Autumn 
than at other seasons. This species 
is very like Otus vulgaris of Europe, 
but is rather darker in colour, and 
is larger. 

Short-eared Owl. . . Otus brachyotos. Marsh Owl. Not 

uncommon; arriving in November, 
and departing in April. It is seen 
mostly on the meadows along the 
Delaware and smaller streams. Mr 
John Krider found its nest on Pecks 
Beach, coast of New Jersey, in 1850; 
and Audubon mentions having found 
it breeding in the great Pine Swamp 
of Pennsylvania. European speci- 
mens are somewhat lighter in colour, 
but in habits they are alike. (W.) 

Barred Owl Symium nebulosum. Grey Owl. 

Common, but more abundant in 
Winter. This Owl has been observed 
frequently flying during the day. 



BIEDS OF EAST PENNSYLVANIA. 9 

Acadian Owl Fyctale acadica. Saw Whet Owl. 

Little Owl. Kare. This handsome 
little Owl is more frequently seen in 
Winter, especially on the marshes of 
the New Jersey coast. 

Snowy Owl Fyctea nivea. White Owl. A rather 

rare Winter visitant. (W.) 



ORDER— SCANSORES. (Climbing Birds.) 

Yellow-billed Cuckoo. Coccygus Americanus. Rain Crow. 

Common, arriving in the end of 
April, and departing in the middle 
of September. It is generally found 
in thick woods and orchards. (S.) 



10 



BIRDS OF EAST PENNSYLVANIA. 



Black-billed Cuckoo. 



Hairy Woodpecker. 



Downy Woodpecker. 



Eed-cockaded Wood- 
pecker. 

Yellow-bellied Wood- 
pecker. 



Great Black Wood- 
pecker. 



Ked-bellied Wood- 
pecker. 

Ked-headed Wood- 
pecker. 



Coccygus erythrophthalmus. Migrates 
about the same time as Coccygus 
Americanus, but is hardly so plenti- 
ful. It frequents the borders of small 
streams. Wilson first distinguished 
it from the preceding species. (S.) 
Picus villosus. Spotted Flicker. Not 
uncommon, and especially frequent 
in orchards. A larger variety is 
found in the northern counties of 
Pennsylvania, and has been called 
Picus canadensis. 
Picus pubescens. Sapsucker. Plenti- 
ful. This species is very like Picus 
villosus in its markings, but is much 
smaller. 

Picus borealis. Rare. A southern 
species, and migrating thence towards 
Winter. (S.) 

Picus varius. This is one of the most 
beautiful of our Woodpeckers, and 
is not uncommon. It is generally 
met with in Summer, arriving early 
in April, but a few remain during 
the Winter. (S.) 

Picus pileatus. Pileated Wood- 
pecker. Log-cock. Black Wood- 
cock. Not uncommon, but much 
more rare than formerly. It is more 
abundant towards the Alleghany 
Mountains. 

Picus Carolinus. Common, but more 
frequent in Summer; found mostly 
on the larger trees of the forest. 

Picus erythrocephalus. Plentiful. Ar- 
riving in the latter part of April, and 
departing in September or beginning 
of October. It appears to be more 
numerous towards the mountains. (S.) 



BIRDS OF EAST PENNSYLVANIA. 11 

Golden-winged Wood- Colaptes auratus. Flicker. Yellow- 
pecker. shafted Woodpecker. High Hole. 

Abundant, and generally distributed, 
but much more plentiful in Summer. 
There is a partial migration south in 
October, the birds returning about the 
end of March. 



ORDER— VOLITORES. (Birds moving chiefly by Flight.) 

Ruby-throated Humming Trochilus colubris. Humming Bird. 
Bird. Rather plentiful in Summer, and 

abundant in warm seasons, being 
met with from the end of April to 
the beginning of October. It is 
frequent in gardens, where its habit 
of roaming among the flowers has 
been so beautifully depicted by 
Wilson in the well-known verses, 
"When morning dawns." (S.) 

Belted Kingfisher. . . Ceryle alcyon. Kingfisher. Not 

uncommon; arriving early in April, 
and departing in October. A few, 
however, remain during the Winter. 
It is more abundant inland than on 
the coast. (S.) 



12 



BIEDS OF EAST PENNSYLVANIA. 



Whip-poor-Will. . 



Night Hawk. 



Chimney Swallow. 



Antivstomus vociferus. Bather com- 
mon, from the end of April to the 
beginning of September. It appears 
to be less frequent near the coast. (S.) 

Chordeiles popetue. Night Jar. Bull 
Bat. Abundant from the middle of 
April to September. Often seen high 
in the air above the streets of Philadel- 
phia, and its nest has frequently been 
found on the roofs of warehouses. (S.) 

Chaetura pelasgia. Common. Arrives 
in the middle of April, and departs 
early in September. (S.) 



ORDER— INSESSORES. (Perching Birds.) 



Bam Swallow. 



Cliff Swallow. 



Hirundo horreorum. 

the end of March 

September. (S.) 
Hirundo lunifrons. A 

Summer visitant, but 
* increasing in numbers. 

April. (S.) 



Common from 
to the end of 



rather rare 
every year 
It arrives in 



BIRDS OF EAST PENNSYLVANIA. 



13 



White-bellied Swallow. 
Sand Martin. . . . 



Eough-winged Swallow. 

Purple Martin. . . . 
Tyrant Flycatcher. 

Great Crested Flycatcher 
Pewee Flycatcher. . . 

Olive-sided Flycatcher. 
Wood Pewee. . . . 
Traill's Flycatcher. . 



Hirundo bicolor. Rather plentiful. 
Comes late in March, and leaves 
early in September. (S.) 
Cotyle riparia. Bank Swallow. Not 
uncommon on the high bank of a 
river or the sea-shore, arriving 
early in March, and leaving about 
the middle of October. (S.) 

Cotyle serripennis. This is a southern 
species, and not rare. It arrives 
early in April, and seems to be more 
abundant in the lower counties. (S.) 

Progne subis. Abundant, coming early 
in April, and leaving in the end of 
August. (S.) 

Tyr annus Carolinensis. King Bied. 
Field Maetin. Bee Bied. Plentiful. 
It arrives about the end of April, 
and leaves in September. (S.) 
. Myiarchus crinitus. Not uncommon, 
appearing early in May, and leaving 
in the end of September. (S.) 

Sayornis fuscus. Pewee. Phcebe 
Bied. Rather plentiful, especially 
on the borders of creeks and small 
streams. It appears early in March, 
and leaves in November. (S.) 

Contopus borealis. Very rare. It is 
generally seen early in May on its 
way north, and returns in September. 
(S. & A.) 

Contopus virens. Not uncommon from 
the beginning of May to the middle 
of September. This species closely 
resembles the Phcebe Bied. (S.) 

Empidonax Traillii. Rare, but some 
seasons it is not uncommon in the 
Spring, arriving about the middle of 
May. (S. & A.) 



u 



BIRDS OF EAST PENNSYLVANIA. 



Yellow-bellied Fly- 
catcher. 



Wood Thrush. 



Least Flycatcher. . . Empidonax minimus. Bather rare, 

arriving in April on its northern 
migration, and returning early in 
September. A few remain to breed. 
(S. & A.) 
Green-crested Flycatcher. Empidonax acadicus. Small Pewee. 

Frequent from the beginning of May 
to the middle of September. It is 
generally found in the most secluded 
parts of woods. (S.) 

Empidonax flaviventris. Bare. It 
arrives in the middle of April 
on its way north. Dr Slack 
found it breeding near Trenton. 
(S. & A.) 

Turdus mustelinus. Song Thrush. 
One of our sweetest songsters, and 
plentifully distributed. It arrives 
about the middle of April, and 
departs in October. (S.) 

Turdus Pallasii. Not uncommon. It 
arrives in April, and again late in 
October, on its way south, when 
it is more abundant along the sea- 
coast. This bird is very like 
Turdus Swainsonii, but the tail and 
tail coverts are rufous. A few have 
been observed during Winter when 
that season has been open and mild. 
(S. & A.) 

Turdus fuscescens. Tawny Thrush. 
Plentiful from the beginning of April 
to October — a few remaining during 
Winter. Many migrate further north 
to breed. (S.) 

Turdus Swainsonii. Bare. It arrives 
in the end of April. A few also 
of this species have been seen in 
Winter. (S. & A) 



Hermit Thrush. 



Wilson's Thrush, 



Olive-backed Thrush. 



BIRDS OF EAST PENNSYLVANIA. 



15 



Grey-cheeked Thrush. 

Migratory Thrush. 
Mocking Bird. . . . 



Oat Bird. . 
Brown Thrush. 



Blue Bird. 



Euby-crowned Wren. 



Golden-crested Wren. 



T urdus aliciae. Very rare. It has 
lately been found in the southern 
counties of Pennsylvania, and is not 
very uncommon in Maryland. (S.) 

Tardus migratorius. Eobin. Very 
abundant. During Autumn and 
Winter it migrates in flocks. 

Mimus polyglottus. This far-famed 
songster is now rare, arriving late 
in April, but it appears to have 
been plentiful in former years; and, 
according to Bartram and Dr Barton, 
even remained all the Winter near 
Philadelphia. (S.) 

Mimus Carolinensis. Cattle. Abun- 
dant from the middle of April to 
late in October. (S.) 

Mimus rufus. Thbashee. Prench 
Mocking Bird. Common. Arrives 
early in April, and departs in Octo- 
ber, but a few remain during mild 
Winters. This is one of the finest 
of our song birds. (S.) 

Sialia sialis. Ked- breasted Blue 
Bird. Abundant, and may be seen 
as early as the latter part of Feb- 
ruary. It leaves late in November, 
but so mauy remain during Winter, 
that it may be called a resident 
species. 

Regulus calendula. Plentiful, arriv- 
ing • early in April, and returning 
from the north late in September. 
(S. & A) 

Regulus satrapa. Not uncommon. It 
comes in April, and again in Septem- 
ber, a few remaining during the 
Winter. It is distinct from the 
Regulus cristatus of Europe. (S. & A.) 



16 



BIRDS OF EAST PENNSYLVANIA. 



Tit-Lark. 



Creeping Warbler. 



Blue Yellow - backed 
Warbler. 

Maryland Yellow-throat 



Mourning Warbler. 



Connecticut Warbler. 



Kentucky Warbler. . 

Yellow-breasted Chat. 
Worm-eating Warbler. 



Blue-winged Yellow 
Warbler. 

Golden-winged Warbler. 



Anthus Ludovicianus. Pipit. Beown 
Lark. Common. It arrives from 
the north in October, and departs in 
April, but is more frequent in the 
Autumn and Spring migrations. (W.) 

Mniotilta varia. Black and White 
Creeper. Plentiful from the mid- 
dle of April to the beginning of 
October. (S.) 

Parula Americana. Blue Yellow- 
Back. Common from the end of 
April to October. (S.) 
, Geothlypis trichas. Abundant from 
the end of April to the beginning 
of September. (S.) 

Geothlypis Philadelphia. Pare, and 
excessively so in Autumn. It arrives 
in the middle of May on its way 
north. (S. & A.) 

Oporornis agilis. Pather rare. This 
species is very seldom met with 
in Spring, but is, however, more 
frequent in Autumn, appearing late 
in August. (S. & A.) 

Oporornis formosus. A southern 
species, and rather scarce. It arrives 
late in April. (S.) 

Icteria virens. Common, coming early 
in May and leaving in September. (S.) 

Helmitherus vermivorus. Pather rare, 
arriving in the middle of May, and 
departing in the end of September. 
(S.) 

Helminthophaga solitaria. Somewhat 
rare, arriving in the middle of May. 
(S.) 

Helminthophaga chrysoptera. Pather 
rare. It appears about the end of 
April. (S. & A.) 



BIRDS OF EAST PENNSYLVANIA. 



17 



Nashville Warbler. 



Tennessee Warbler. 



Golden-crowned Thrush, 



Water-Thrush. 



Large - billed Water 
Thrush. 



Black- throated Green 
Warbler. 



Black - throated Blue 
Warbler. 



Yellow-rump Warbler. 



Blackburnian Warbler. 



Helminthophaga ruficapilla. Frequent. 
It arrives late in April, and is more 
plentiful in the spring and autumnal 
migrations. (S.) 

Helminthophaga peregrina. Kather 
rare, but sometimes not uncommon 
in September on its return south. 
(S. & A.) 

Seiurus aurocapillus. Oven Bird. 
Common from the end of April to 
late in September. (S.) 

Seiurus noveboracensis. Not uncom- 
mon, arriving in the end of April, 
and again late in August. (S. & A.) 

Seiurus Ludovicianus. Not rare, but 
more abundant in the lower coun- 
ties, and said to be plentiful round 
Washington. (S.) 

Dendroica virens. Rather frequent, 
arriving early in May, and departing 
in October. It is more plentiful in 
the Spring and Autumn migrations. 
(S.) ' 

Dendroica coerulescens. Abundant. 
It comes late in April, and again 
towards the end of October. A few 
remain to breed. (S. &. A.) 

Dendroica coronata. Myrtle Bird. 
Golden-crowned Warbler. Com- 
mon, appearing early in April, and 
again in October. It has been seen 
frequently during winter. (S. & A.) 

Dendroica Blackburnice. Not un- 
common. This beautiful warbler 
arrives early in May, returning in 
September. Its nest has been fre- 
quently found in Pennsylvania. The 
male in Autumn has been called 
Hemlock Warbler. (S. & A.) 



18 



BIRDS OF EAST PENNSYLVANIA. 



Bay-breasted Warbler. 



Pine-creeping Warbler. 

Chestnut-sided Warbler. 
Blue Warbler. . . . 

Black-Poll Warbler. . 
Yellow Warbler. . . 



Black and Yellow 
Warbler. 



Cape May Warbler. 

Yellow Eed-Poll Warbler 
Prairie Warbler. . . . 



Dendroica castanea. Bather rare, 
appearing late in April, and again 
in October. The young bird of this 
species is the Autumnal Warbler 
of Wilson. (S. & A.) 

Dendroica pinas. This species is 
rather rare in Spring, but plentiful 
in Autumn. Arriving early in April, 
and again in October. Many re- 
main during summer. (S.) 

Dendroica Pennsylvanica. Not un- 
common. Arriving early in May. 
A few remain to breed. (S. & A.) 

Dendroica cceridea. Rare. From 
May to end of August. The Blue 
Mountain Warbler of Wilson is 
the young of this species. (S.) 

Dendroica striata. Common. It 
arrives late in April, and again in 
September. (S. & A.) 

Dendroica wstiva. Summer Yellow 
Bird. Abundant. ' Coming late in 
April, and departing in the end of 
September. (S.) 

Dendroica maculosa. Magnolia 
Warbler. One of our most beauti- 
ful warblers, and rather frequent, 
coming early in May, and again in 
September. (S. & A.) 

Dendroica tigrina. Very rare; it 
arrives early in May, and again 
visits us on its way south about the 
10th of October. (S. & A.) 

, Dendroica palmarum. Plentiful. 
Appearing early in April, and again 
in September. (S. & A.) 

Dendroica discolor. Not uncommon, 
from the beginning of May to 
October. (S.) 



BIRDS OF EAST PENNSYLVANIA. 



19 



Hooded Warbler. . 

Green Black-cap Fly- 
catcher. 



Canada Flycatcher. 
Eedstart. . . . 



Scarlet Tanager. 
Summer Eed Bird. 



Cedar Bird. 



Great Northern Shrike. 



Eed-eyed Flycatcher. . 

Philadelphia Vireo. 
Y/arbling Flycatcher. 
White-eyed Vireo. . . 
Blue-headed Flycatcher. 



Myiodioctes mitratus. Eather rare; 
it arrives in April. (S.) 

Myiodioctes pusillus. This bird ap- 
pears early in May, and again in 
October, and is rather abundant. 
(S. & A.) 

Myiodioctes Canadensis. Frequent, 
from the end of April to October. (S.) 

Setophaga ruticilla. Abundant, from 
the end of April till late in Sept- 
ember. (S.) 

Pyranga rubra. Fire Bird. Plen- 
tiful, coming early in May, and 
leaving in September. (S.) 

Pyranga cestiva. Eed Bird. Rather 
rare, and found mostly in the 
southern counties of New Jersey, 
from May to the middle of August. 
(S.) 

Ampelis cedrorum. Prib Chatterer. 
Abundant, but less frequent in 
winter than at other seasons. 

Lanius borealis. Butcher Bird. 
Not uncommon, especially in winter. 
In March it migrates to the north, 
but many nestle on the mountain 
ridges of the Alleghanies. 

Vireo olivaceus. Plentiful from the 
beginning of May to the middle of 
October. (S.) 

Vireo Philadelphia s. Short-billed 
Vireo. Very rare. (S. & A.) 

Vireo gilvus. Frequent from early in 
May to the middle of October. (S.) 

Vireo noveboracensis. Common from 
early in April to October. (S.) 

Vireo solitarius. Solitary Vireo. 
Eather rare, arriving in April, and 
departing in October. (S.) 



20 



BIEDS OF EAST PENNSYLVANIA. 



Yellow-throated Fly- 
catcher. 

Great Carolina Wren. 



Bewick's Wren. . . . 
Long-billed Marsh Wren. 

Short-billed Marsh Wren, 

House Wren 

Wood Wren 



Winter Wren. 



Tree Creeper. 



White-bellied Nuthatch. 



Vireo flavifrons. Not uncommon 
from the end of April to September. 
(S.) 

Thryothorus Ludovicianus. Rather 
rare. It appears early in May on 
the borders of the Delaware. Mr 
John Cassin informs me that he has 
occasionally seen this bird on the 
Wissahickon in Winter. (S.) 

ThryothorusBewickii. Rare. It arrives 
early in May. (S.) 

Thryothorus palustris. Common along 
the Delaware and other streams 
from the beginning of April to the 
middle of October. (S.) 

Thryothorus stellaris. Rather rare 
from April to September. (S.) 

Troglodytes aedon. Abundant from the 
end of April to October. (S.) 

Troglodytes Americanus. Rare. This 
bird very closely resembles the pre- 
ceding species, Troglodytes aedon, in 
Autumn plumage; indeed, it is 
doubtful if the two are distinct. (S.) 

Troglodytes hyemalis. Not uncom- 
mon, arriving in October. Its nest 
has been occasionally found in Pen- 
nsylvania. This species is so very 
like Troglodytes vulgaris of Europe 
as to be at least only a variety. (W.) 

Certhia familiaris. Grey Creeper. 
Abundant, but more so in winter 
than at other times of the year. I 
can detect no difference between it 
and that of Europe; it has the same 
shrill but feeble note, and its habits 
are identical. 

Sitta Carolinensis. Plentiful, and 
resident. 



BIRDS OF EAST PENNSYLVANIA. 



21 



Red-bellied Nuthatch. 
Blue-grey Gnatcatcher. 

Tufted Titmouse. . 

Black-cap Titmouse. 
Carolina Titmouse. . 



Shore Lark. 



Pine Grosbeak. 



Purple Finch. 
American Goldfinch. 

Pine Finch. . . 
Eed Crossbill. 



Sitta Canadensis. Rather rare, from 
October to April. (W.) 

Polioptila ccerulea. Blue-Geey Fly- 
catcher. Not uncommon from the 
middle of April to the end of 
September. (S.) 

Lophophanes bicolor. Tom-tit. Very- 
common, and especially abundant in 
Summer. 

Par us atricapillus. Chickadee. 
Abundant. 

Parus Carolinensis. Small Black- 
cap Titmouse. A southern species, 
and rather rare. (S.) 

Alauda alpestris. Sky Lark. 
Horned Lark. Plentiful, appear- 
ing late in October, and generally 
leaving in March, but some seasons 
it remains until April. (W.) 

Pinicola Canadensis. Pine Bull- 
finch. Rather rare. This species 
is very like Pinicola enucleator 
of Europe, but is larger. It may 
be a variety only. (W.) 

Carpodacus purpureus. Not uncom- 
mon from September to April, a 
few remaining during Summer. (W.) 

Chrysomitris tristis. Yellow Bird. 
Thistle Bird. Common, but is less 
frequent in Winter than at other 
times. 

Chrysomitris pinus. Pine Linnet. 
Plentiful. Arriving late in October, 
and departing in March. (W.) 

Loxia Americana. Common Cross- 
bill. Not uncommon in winter, 
and resident in the Alleghanies. It 
nearly resembles Loxia curvirostra 
of Europe, but is smaller. 



22 



BIRDS OF EAST PENNSYLVANIA. 



White-winged Crossbill 



Lesser Eed-Poll. . 



Snow Bunting. . . . 



Savannah Sparrow. . . 



Grass Finch. 



Yellow-winged Sparrow. 

Henslow's Bunting. . . 
Sharp-tailed Finch. . . 

Sea-side Finch. . . . 

White-crowned Sparrow. 



Loocia leucoptera. Rare, but in some 
winters more plentiful. Large flocks 
have been known to cross the 
Atlantic to Britain, and they are 
occasionally seen to alight on ves- 
sels at sea. See Gray's "Birds of 
the West of Scotland." (W.) 

Linota linaria. Hemp Bird. Not 
uncommon in severe winters, coming 
early in November, and remaining 
until April. (W.) 

Plectrophanes nivalis. White Snow 
Bied. Of frequent occurrence, and 
usually appearing after a snow 
storm. It arrives early in Dec- 
ember, and leaves in March. (W.) 

Passerculus Savanna. Common, being 
frequent in Summer near the moun- 
tains, and plentiful in Winter on the 
sea shore. 

Pooecetes gramineus. Grass Spar- 
row. Bay-winged Sparrow. 
Abundant, its numbers being 
augmented in Summer by flocks 
arriving early in April. 

Coturniculus passerinus. Common, 
arriving late in April, and departing 
in October. (S.) 

Coturniculus Henslowi. Rather rare. 
(S.) 

Ammodromus caudacutus. Quail 
Head. Frequent on the salt 
marshes along the coast. (S.) 

Ammodromus mdritimus. Grey 
Shore Finch. Abundant on the 
sea shore. (S.) 

Zonotrichia leucophrys. Chip Bird. 
Rather rare ; from September to the 
beginning of May. (W.) 



BIRDS OF EAST PENNSYLVANIA. 



23 



White-throated Sparrow. 



Snow Bird. 



Tree Sparrow. . . 

Field Sparrow. . . 

Chipping Sparrow. . 

Song Sparrow. . . 

Lincoln's Finch. . . 
Swamp Sparrow. 

Fox-coloured Sparrow. 



Zonotrichia albicollis. Common, ap- 
pearing early in October, and leaving 
in April. My friend, Mr Gray of 
Glasgow, has informed me that this 
familiar bird has been killed in 
Aberdeenshire, Scotland. Female 
specimens in Autumn plumage bear, 
indeed, a somewhat near resemblance 
to one or two Buntings, for which 
they may be mistaken ; so that it is 
not unlikely it may be found again 
if closely looked for. (W.) 

Junco hyemalis. Black Snow-Bird. 
Chuck-Bird. Abundant in Winter 
from October to April. A few 
remain to breed on the Alleghanies. 
(W.) 

Spizella monticola. Canada Bunt- 
ing. Plentiful from the end of 
October to April. (W.) 

Spizella piisilla. Eush Sparrow. 
Common. Comes early in April, 
and leaves in October. (S.) 

Spizella socialis. Chippy. Abun- 
dant from the end of March to 
October. (S.) 

Melospiza melodia. Abundant from 
the beginning of March to Novem- 
ber, but many remain all Winter. 

Melospiza Lincolnii. Bather rare. 
It appears early in May, and again 
in Autumn. (S. & A.) 

Melospiza palustris. Bed Grass- 
Bird. Marsh Shore Finch. 
Common. Arriving about the 
middle of April. (S.) 

Passerella iliaca. Fox Sparrow. 
Frequent from the end of October 
to March. (W.) 



24 



BIRDS OF EAST PENNSYLVANIA. 



House Sparrow. 



Black-throated Bunting. 

Eose-breasted Grosbeak. 

Indigo Bird 

Cardinal Grosbeak. . . 



Ground Eobin. . 



Eeed Bird. 



Passer domesticus. According to Mr 
G. N. Lawrence, this well-known 
European bird has been successfully- 
introduced into Jersey City, Hobo- 
ken, and Newark, N.J., where they 
excite much interest, and have be- 
come great favourites. A very 
interesting account of the species 
in its new haunts, is given by that 
gentleman, on the Birds of New 
York, in the "Annals of the Lyceum 
of Natural History of New York/' 
Vol. VIII., April, 1866. 

Euspiza Americana. Plentiful. Ap- 
pearing early in May, and leaving 
in September. (S.) 

Guiraca Ludoviciana. Eather rare. 
It comes in April, and leaves early 
in September. (S.) 

Cyanospiza cyanea. Not uncommon 
from May to September. (S.) 

Cardinalis Virginianus. Red Bird. 
Virginia Nightingale. Fre- 
quently met with. Many remain 
throughout the Winter in the lower 
counties. 

Pipilo erythrophthalmus. Towhee. 
Cheewink. Abundant from the 
middle of April to October. A 
few remain during Winter, and 
may be found in well- sheltered 
localities. (S.) 

Dolichonyx oryzivorus. Rice Bunt- 
ing. Bob-o-link. Plentiful. It 
appears early in May, and again 
in the middle of August, when it 
arrives from the north in large 
numbers, spreading along the Dela- 
ware and other rivers. (S. & A.) 



BIRDS OF EAST PENNSYLVANIA. 



25 



Cow Bird. 



Bed-winged Blackbird. 



Meadow Lark. . . 
Orchard Oriole. . . 
Baltimore Oriole. 

Kusty Grakle. . . 

Crow Blackbird. . . 
Eaven 



Common Crow. 



Molothrus pecoris. Cow Blackbird. 
Cow-pen Bird. Common. It 
comes late in March, and disappears 
in October. Like the Cuckoo of 
Europe, it deposits its eggs in the 
nests of other birds. (S.) 

Agelaius phoeniceus. Blackbird. 
Eed-winged Starling. Swamp 
Blackbird. Abundant from the 
beginning of March to the end of 
October, appearing in Autumn in 
very large flocks. (S.) 

Sturnella magna. Old Field Lark. 
Plentiful. There is a partial migra- 
tion southwards in severe Winters. 

Icterus spurius. Common. Appear- 
ing early in May, and leaving in 
September. (S.) 

Icterus Baltimore. Golden Robin. 
Hang Nest. Frequent, coming late 
in April, and disappearing early in 
September. (S.) 

Scolecophagus ferrugineus. Rusty 
Blackbird. Not uncommon. It 
arrives late in March, and again in 
October. (S. & A.) 

Quiscalus versicolor. Purple Grakle. 
Plentiful, arriving early in March, 
and leaving in November. (S.) 

Corvus carnivorus. Rare. A few are 
found on the Jersey coast, and in 
the direction of the Mountains. 
This bird is so like the Common 
Raven of Europe {Corvus Corax) as 
to be merely a variety. 

Corvus Americanus. Abundant. This 
species is very like Corvus corone 
of Europe, but entirely different in 
habits, congregating in great flocks. 



26 BIRDS OP EAST PENNSYLVANIA. 

Fish Crow Gorvus ossifragus. Not uncommon 

along the sea -shore, and on the 
Delaware. It arrives early in 
April. (S.) 

Blue Jay Cyanura cristata. Frequent, but less 

numerous in Winter than at other 
seasons. 



OKDEK— RASORES. (Gallinaceous Birds.) 

Wild Pigeon Ectopistes migratoria. Passenger 

Pigeon. Plentiful, but is more 
frequent in Spring and Autumn, 
when it congregates in large flocks. 

Common Dove. . . . Ectopistes Garolinensis, Carolina 

Turtle Dove. Common from 
March to October, but many remain 
during the Winter. 

Wild Turkey. . . . Meleagris gallopavo. Now rare. A 

few straggling flocks are yet met 
with on the Alleghanies, and speci- 
mens which have been killed there 
may be seen every Winter in the 
Philadelphia market. It is not 
uncommon in Virginia. 



BIRDS OF EAST PENNSYLVANIA. 



27 



Pinnated Grouse. 



Buffed Grouse. 
Partridge. . . 



Cupidonia cupido. Prairie Hen. 
Prairie Chicken. Now very rare. 
A few are still met with in Monroe 
and Northampton counties, Penn- 
sylvania, where I have shot the 
species. Within the last year or 
two it has also been found on the 
Jersey Plains. 

Bonasa umbellus. Pheasant. Plen- 
tiful, and more so in the direction 
of the Alleghany mountains. 

Ortyx Virginianus. Quail. Bob- 
White. Abundant, and plentifully 
distributed, but less common than 
formerly, near the larger cities. 



ORDER— GRALLATORES. (Wading Birds.) 



Snowy Heron. 



White Heron. 



Garzetta candidissima. White- 
crested Egret. White Poke. 
Not uncommon on the salt marshes 
of the sea-coast, from the beginning 
of April to October. This species is 
quite distinct from Garzetta egretta 
of the old world. (S.) 

Ardea egretta. White Crane. 
Great White Egret. Rather 
rare, arriving about the middle of 
May. It is distinct from Ardea 
alba of Europe. (S.) 



28 



BIEDS OF EAST PENNSYLVANIA. 



Great Blue Heron. 

Blue Heron. . . 
Least Bittern. . 
Bittern. . . . 



Green Heron. 
Night Heron. 



Golden Plover. . 



Killdeer Plover. 
Wilson's Plover. 



Ardea herodias. Blue Crane. Com- 
mon, arriving in April. A few, 
however, remain during Winter. 
(S.) 

Ardea caerulea. Rare, but it has 
been found breeding at Cape 
May. (S.) 

Ardetta exilis. Not uncommon along 
the Delaware. It arrives early in 
May. (S.) 

Botaurus lentiginosus. Quawk. 

Dunkadoo. Indian Hen. Plen- 
tiful from the middle of April to 
October. (S.) 

Butorides virescens. Fly - up- the - 
Ceeek. Abundant from early in 
April to October. (S.) 

Nyctiardea Gardeni. Qua Bird. 
Frequent. Arriving early in April, 
and leaving in October. This 
species is very like Nyctiardea 
grisea of Europe, but is, however, 
distinct. (S.) 

Charadrius Virginicus. Frost Bird. 
Bull Head. Common, appearing 
in the end of April, and again early 
in September. It is smaller than 
Charadrius pluvialis of Europe, 
and quite distinct from that species. 
(S. & A.) 

Aegialitis vociferus. Killdeer. 

Plentiful, and especially abundant 
along the sea-shore in Winter. 

Aegialitis Wilsonius. Bather rare. 
Arrives early in May. On the 
original drawing of this bird now 
before me, by Wilson himself, I find 
he has named it Great -billed 
Plover. (S.) 



BIRDS OF EAST PENNSYLVANIA. 



29 



Semipalmated Plover. 

Piping Plover. . . 
Grey Plover. . . . 



Oyster Catcher. . 



Turnstone. 



Avocet. 



Black-necked Stilt. 



Northern Phalarope, 



Aegialitis semipalmatus. Ring 

Plover. Eing Neck. Frequent 
on the sea-coast, appearing late 
in April, and again in September. 
(S. & A.) 

Aegialitis melodus. Beach Bird. 
Common on the sea-shore from the 
end of April to October. (S.) 

Squatarola cinerea. Black-bellied 
Plover. Whistling Field Plo- 
ver. Beetle - headed Plover. 
Plentiful. It appears late in April, 
and again in September, a few 
remaining on the uplands to breed. 
(S. & A.) 

Hcematopus palliatus. Flood Gull. 
Rather scarce. This bird is very like 
Hcematopus 'ostralegus of Europe, 
and may be only a variety. (S.) 

Btrepsilas interpres. Calico Back. 
Brant Bird. Also called Horse- 
foot Snipe, from its feeding on 
the spawn of the King Crab. 
Abundant, arriving early in 
April, and returning south in 
October. (S. & A.) 

Recurvirostra Americana. Bltje- 
Stocking. Rather rare, appear- 
ing late in April, and leaving in 
October. (S.) 

Himantopus nigricollis. The Law- 
yer, Longshanks. Rather scarce, 
from the end of April to Septem- 
ber. I have found its nest on Egg 
Island, Delaware Bay. (S.) 

Plialaropus hyperboreus. Lobefoot. 
This species, the Red-necked 
Phalarope of British ornitho- 
logists, is rare, arriving early in 



30 BIRDS OF EAST PENNSYLVANIA. 

May, and again in September, 
being, however, more frequent in 
Autumn. (S. &.A.) 

Woodcock Philohela minor. Plentiful, from 

early in March until November, a 
few remaining during Winter. (S.) 

Snipe Gallinago Wilsonii. English Snipe. 

Wilson's Snipe. Abundant, arriv- 
ing early in March, and again in 
September. A few remain during 
Summer. It is very like Bcolopax 
gallinago of Europe, but is distinct, 
and also differs somewhat from 
that species in its habits. (S. & A.) 

Eed-breasted Snipe. . Macrorhamphus griseus. Grey 

Snipe. Brown Back. Quail 
Snipe. Dowitcher. Not uncom- 
mon, appearing early in April, and 
again in August. (S. & A.) 

Knot Tringa canutus. Eed-breasted 

Sandpiper. Robin Snipe. Ash- 
coloured Sandpiper. Grey Back, 
and also frequently called White 
Robin Snipe, in its Autumn plu- 
mage. Common. It arrives in May, 
on its way north; returning about 
the middle of August. (S. & A.) 

Purple Sandpiper. . . Tringa maritima. Very rarely seen 

so far south, and generally in 
Winter. (W.) 

Eed-backed Sandpiper. Tringa alpina, var.: Americana. 

Dunlin. Black-breast, and in 
Autumn, Winter Snipe. Abun- 
dant. It arrives in April, and again 
in September, a few remaining during 
Winter. American specimens are 
larger, and have the bill somewhat 
longer than those of Europe. The 
difference, indeed, is greater than 



BIRDS OF EAST PENNSYLVANIA. 31 

between the true Tringa alpina and 
Tringa Schinzii. (S. & A.) 

Pectoral Sandpiper. . Tringa maculata. Jack Snipe. 

Meadow Snipe. Plentiful, arriv- 
ing in April, and again appearing 
about the end of August, when they 
are most abundant. (S. & A.) 

Least Sandpiper. . . Tringa Wilsonii Wilson's Sand- 
piper. Peep. Oxeye. Abun- 
dant in the early part of May, and 
again in August. I once saw a 
flock on Brigantine Beach as early 
as 20th July. (S. & A.) 

Bonaparte's Sandpiper. Tringa Bonapartii Little Snipe. 

Frequent, and oftener met with on 
its return south in Autumn. This 
bird was long confounded with 
T Schinzii of Europe. (S. & A.) 

Sanderling Calidris arenaria. Sanderling 

Plover. Ruddy Plover. Abun- 
dant on the sea-coast, arriving in 
May, and again in the end of 
August, but many remain through- 
out the Winter. (S. & A.) 

Semipalmated Sandpiper. Ereunetes petrificatus. Peep. Plen- 
tiful on the coast early in May, 
• returning from the north in August 
and September. (S. & A.) 

Stilt Sandpiper. . . Micropalama liimantopus. Long- 
legged Sandplper. Very rare. 
Seen in May, and again in August. 
(S..&A.) 

Willet Symplxemia semipalmata. Semipal- 
mated Tatler. Stone Curlew. 
Common from the middle of April 
to October. (S.) 

Tell-Tale. Gambetta melanoleuca. Tell- 

Tale Godwit. Varied Tatler. 
Greater Yellow-Shanks. Plen- 



32 



BIRDS OF EAST PENNSYLVANIA. 



Yellow-shanks Tatler. 



Solitary Sandpiper. 
Spotted Sandpiper. 

Bartram's Sandpiper. . 

Buff-breasted Sandpiper. 
Great Marbled Godwit. 

Hudsonian Godwit. 
Long-billed Curlew. . 

Hudsonian Curlew. 



tiful, from the middle of April until 
November. (S.) 

Gambetta flavipes. Yellow-legged 
Snipe. Abundant. Appears late 
in April, and again in the end of 
August. Many remain during the 
Summer. (S. & A.) 

Rhyacophilus solitarius. Wood Tat- 
ler. Not uncommon from May to 
September. (S.) 

Tringoides macularius. Tiltup. 
Peet-Weet. Spotted Sand Laek. 
Abundant from the beginning of 
April to the end of October. (S.) 

Actiturus Bartramius. Field Plo- 
ver. Upland Plover. Grass 
Plover. Plentiful from the middle 
of April till late in September. (S.) 

Tryngites rufescens. Eather rare, and 
is generally seen late in Autumn. 
(S. & A) 

Limosa fedoa. Marlin. Not un- 
common. It arrives in May, and 
returns from the north in the end 
of September. (S. & A.) 

Limosa Hudsonica. King - tailed 
Marlin. Eather scarce. It arrives 
late in September. (S. & A) 

Numenius longirostris. Sickle Bill. 
Big Curlew. Frequent, arriv- 
ing early in May, and again in 
September. (S. & A.) 

Numenius Hudsonicus. Short- 
billed Curlew. Jack Curlew. 
Plentiful, arriving on its way north 
in May, and returning about the 
end of August. This species is 
not unlike Numenius phceopus of 
Europe. (S. & A.) 



BIRDS OF EAST PENNSYLVANIA. 



33 



Esquimaux Curlew, 
King Kail. . . . 



Clapper Eail. 



Virginia Eail. 



Common Eail. 



Little Black Eail. 



Yellow Eail. 



Coot. 



Numenius borealis. Little Curlew. 
Bather rare, appearing in May, 
and again in September. (S. & A.) 

Ballus elegans. Marsh Hen. Fresh- 
water Mud Hen. This large and 
handsome Eail is rather scarce. 
(S.) 

Rallus crepitans. Meadow Hen. 
Mud Hen. Abundant on the salt 
marshes along the sea-coast, from 
the middle of April to late in Sept- 
ember. (S.) 

Rallus Virginianus. Fresh-water 
Marsh Hen. Not uncommon along 
the Delaware and other streams, 
arriving late in April, and leaving 
late in October. (S.) 

Porzana Carolina. Kail. Sora. 
Carolina Eail. Abundant, arriv- 
ing from the south early in May. 
About the beginning of August it 
returns from the north in great 
numbers, and finally leaves us in 
October. A few remain to breed 
during Summer. (S. & A/) 

Porzana Jamaicensis. Least Water 
Eail. Rare. It breeds on the 
marshes of Cape May county, New 
Jersey. (S.) 

Porzana Noveboracensis. Little 
Yellow Eail. Yellow-breasted 
Rail. Rare, coming about the 
end of April, and leaving late in 
October. (S.) 

Fulica Americana. Hen Bill. 
White Bill. Rather rare. It 
appears early in April, remaining 
till November. It is distinct from 
Fulica atra of Europe. (S.) 



34 BIRDS OF EAST PENNSYLVANIA. 

Florida Gallinule. . . Gallinula galeata. Water Hen. 

Common Gallinule. A very rare 
Summer visitant, from the middle 
of May to late in October, on the 
Delaware and Susquehanna. It is 
very like Gallinula chloropus of 
Europe, but is distinct. Mr John 
Cassin has informed me that one 
of these birds flew into a house in 
Philadelphia last season, by an open 
window, and that he kept it for 
some time in confinement. (S.) 



ORDER— NATATORES. (Swimming Birds.) 

American Swan. . . . Cygnus Americanus. Frequently seen 

on its Spring and Autumn migra- 
tions. It winters on Chesapeake 
Bay. (W.) 

Snow Goose. .... Anser hyperboreus. White Brant. 

Rather rare. It arrives in Novem- 
ber, and again late in February. 
(S.&A.) 



BIRDS OF EAST PENNSYLVANIA. 



35 



Blue-winged Goose. . Anser cceridescens. This species, 

supposed by many authors to be 
the young of the preceding, Anser 
hyperboreas, with which it is gene- 
rally found in company, is also 
rare, but in some seasons is not 
uncommon on the Delaware and 
Atlantic coast. (S. & A.) 

White-fronted Goose. . Anser albifrons. Laughing Goose. 

Eare. Its migrations are more 
towards the interior States. (W.) 

Canada Goose. . . . Bernicla Canadensis. Wild Goose. 

Not uncommon from the end of 
September to the beginning of 
April. (W.) 

Brent Goose Bernicla brenta. Brant. Abundant, 

appearing early in October, and 
again in the middle of May. 
(S. & A.) 

Mallard Anas boschas. Wild Duck. Green 

Head. Common, but much more 
frequent in Winter than at other 
seasons. 

Black Duck Anas obscura. Dusky Duck. 

Abundant. There is a partial 
migration to the north in Spring, 
the flocks returning in October. 

Pin-tail Duck. . . . Anas acuta. Sprig-tail. Plentiful. 

This species leaves in the middle of 
March for the north. (W.) 

Green-winged Teal. . Nettion Carolinensis. Abundant, 

appearing in April, and again about 
the end of October. (S. & A.) 

Blue-winged Teal. . . Querquedula discors. Common. 

Arrives middle of April, and again 
in September. (S. & A.) 

Shoveller Spatula clypeata. Spoonbill. Rather 

rare. It leaves for the north about 
the middle of April. (W.) 



36 



BIRDS OF EAST PENNSYLVANIA. 



G-adwall. 
Wigeon. 



Summer Duck. . 
Scaup Duck. . . 



Lesser Scaup Duck. 

Eing-necked Duck. . 
Eed-headed Duck. . 



Canvas-back Duck. 



Golden Eye. . . . 



Buffel-headed Duck. 



Chaulelasmus streperus. Grey Duck. 
Welsh Drake. Kare. (S. & A.) 

Mareca Americana. Baldpate. 
American Wigeon. Not uncom- 
mon, arriving in September, and 
again in April. A few remain 
during Winter. (S. & A.) 

Aix sponsa. Wood Duck. Plentiful. 
This beautiful species arrives early 
in April. (S.) 

Fuligula marila. Greater Black 
Head. Broad Bill. Blue Bill. 
Frequent, appearing early in October, 
and leaving in the end of April. (W.) 

Fuligula affinis. Little Black 
Head. Creek Broad Bill. Not 
uncommon. It leaves for the north 
early in April. (W.) 

Fuligula collaris. Tufted Duck. 
Frequent in Autumn, and appearing 
again late in March. (S. & A.) 

Fuligula Americana. Pochard. Not 
uncommon, arriving from the north 
early in November. It is distinct 
from Fuligula ferina of Europe. 
(W.) 

Fuligula vallisneria. Abundant, 
arriving early in November, and 
remaining for the Winter on the 
Susquehanna and Chesapeake Bay. 
(W.) 

Fuligula clangula. Whistler. 

Whistle Wing. Plentiful from 
November to April. It may be a 
variety of the European bird, but 
the difference is very slight. (W.) 

Fuligula albeola. Butter Ball. 
Spirit Duck. Abundant from 
October to beginning of May. (W.) 



BIRDS OF EAST PENNSYLVANIA. 37 

Long-tailed Duck. . . Hareldaglacialis. South Southerly. 

Old Squaw. Frequent during 
Winter along the river Delaware 
and the sea-coast. (W.) 

Labrador Duck. . . Camptolcemus Labradorius. Sand- 
Shoal Duck. Pied Duck. Rare. 
A few are seen every season. (W.) 

Velvet Scoter. . . . Oidemia fusca. White - winged 

Coot. Plentiful on the sea-coast. 
It arrives in the middle of October, 
and departs early in April. (W.) 

Surf Scoter. . . . Oidemia perspicillata. Black Sea 

Duck. Common from October to 
May along the Jersey coast. (W.) 

Black Scoter Oidemia Americana. Broad-billed 

Coot. Not uncommon. It resem- 
bles so closely the Oidemia nigra of 
Europe, as to be only a variety. (W.) 

Ruddy Duck Erismatura rubida. Spine -tail. 

Salt-water Teal. Rare. It is 
more abundant in the interior. (W.) 

Goosander Mergus merganser. Sheldrake. 

Fisher Duck. Dun Diver. 
Abundant from the beginning of 
November to April, but many breed 
in the interior and are resident. 
The bill of European specimens 
is somewhat longer and more 
slender. 

Eed-breasted Merganser. Mergus serrator. Pied Sheldrake. 

Sawbill. Not uncommon. A few 
remain to breed. (W.) 

Hooded Merganser. . . Mergus cucullatus. Water Pheas- 
ant. Hairy Head. This hand- 
some species is plentiful. 

Gannet Sula bassana. Solan Goose. Very 

rare. It is seen along the sea-coast 
more frequently in Winter than at 
other seasons. (W.) 



F 



38 



BIRDS OF EAST PENNSYLVANIA. 



Common Cormorant. . 
Double-crested Cormorant 

Wilson's Petrel. . . . 

Greater Shearwater. 

Great Black-backed Gull. 
Herring Gull 

King-billed Gull. . . 

Laughing Gull. . . . 

Bonaparte's Gull. . . 

Kittiwake Gull. . . . 
Marsh Tern. .... 
Forster's Tern. . . . 



Eoseate Tern, 



Phalacrocorax carbo. Rather rare 
on the Jersey coast. (W.) 

. Phalacrocoraoc dilophus. Rare ; 
many, however, pass along the coast 
to Winter further south. (W.) 

Thalassidroma Wilsonii. Very rare. 
It is generally met with off the coast 
in Autumn and Winter. (W.) 

Puffinus major. Very rare. A few 
are seen every year on the Atlantic, 
off the coast. (W.) 

Larus marinus. Saddle Back Gull. 
Not uncommon. (W.) 

Larus argentatus. Geev Winter 
Gull. Silvery Gull. Plen- 
tiful. (W.) 

Larus Delawarensis. Common Gull. 
Brown Winter Gull. Abundant. 
This species is not unlike Larus 
canus of Europe. (W.) 

Larus atricilla. Black - headed 
Gull. Common, arriving in the 
end of April. (S.) 

Larus Philadelphicus. Lesser 

Black-headed Gull. Not un- 
common. (W.) 

Larus tridactylus. Rather rare along 
the New Jersey coast. (W.) 

Sterna anglica. Gull-billed Tern. 
Rare. (S.) 

Sterna Forsteri. Rare. I have found 
this species breeding on Brigantine 
Beach. The adult, in Winter 
plumage ; has been called Havell's 
Tern. (S.) 

Sterna Dougallii. This elegant Tern 
is not uncommon. It is doubtful if it 
is increasing in Scotland, where the 
species was originally discovered. (S .) 



BIRDS OF EAST PENNSYLVANIA. 



39 



Common Tern. . 
Arctic Tern. . . 



Least Tern. 



Black Tern. 



Black Skimmer. . . 
Great Northern Diver. 

Ked-throated Diver. 

Eed-necked Grebe. . 
Great-crested Grebe. 
Sclavonian Grebe. . 

Pied-Bill Dobchick. . 



Sterna hirundo. Summer Gull. 
Plentiful, arriving in the middle of 
April. (S.) 

Sterna arctica. Rare. This species 
appears to be most numerous in 
Autumn, an occasional straggler only- 
being observed in Winter. It breeds 
from New England northwards. (S.) 

Sterna frenata. Little Sheepshead 
Gull. Common, arriving in May, 
and departing in August. It is 
rather larger than Sterna minuta 
of Europe, and is otherwise 
distinct. (S.) 

Sterna fissipes. Short-tailed Tern. 
Not uncommon. * It breeds in the 
Western States, during which season 
it is absent from the coast. (S. & A.) 

Rhynchops nigra. Shearwater. 
Cutwater. Frequent, arriving in 
the middle of May. (S.) 

Colymhus glacialis. Loon. Abun- 
dant; and although it is more fre- 
quent in Winter, many are found in 
Summer during the breeding season. 

Colymhus septentrionalis. Rather 
rare ; the specimens procured being 
mostly young birds. (W.) 

Podiceps rubricollis. Rarely met 
with so far to the south. (W.) 

Podiceps cristatus. Dipper. Not 
uncommon. (W.) 

Podiceps comutus. Horned Grebe. 
Water Witch. Hell Diver. 
Frequent in Winter. A few remain 
to breed. (W.) 

Podiceps Carolinensis. Dipper. 
Carolina Grebe. Common, 

arriving early in April. (S.) 



40 BIRDS OP EAST PENNSYLVANIA. 

Eazor Bill Alca tor da. Eazoe - billed Auk. 

Very rare, coming early in Novem- 
ber. A few migrate as far south as 
Cape May. (W.) 

Puffin. Fratercula arctica. Sea Parrot. 

Arctic Puffin. An extremely 
rare Winter visitant along the 
coast. (W.) 

Thick-billed Guillemot. TJria Brunnichii Brunnich's Guil- 
lemot. Very rare, but nearly every 
Winter specimens are procured from 
the Jersey sea-coast. (W.) 



STRAGGLEKS, OR IRREGULAR VISITANTS. 

Swallow-tailed Kite. . Nauclerus furcatus. Has been seen 

once or twice in Pennsylvania, Mr 
John Krider shot one near Phila- 
delphia in 1857. (S.) 

Great Grey Owl. . . Symium cinereum. Lap Owl. 

Although a northern species, this 
Owl has been several times found 
in New Jersey. (W.) 



BIRDS OF EAST PENNSYLVANIA. 



41 



Hawk Owl. 



Carolina Parrot. 



Savanna Blackbird. 



Arctic Three-toed Wood- 
pecker. 



Fork-tailed Flycatcher. 



Arkansas Flycatcher. 



Varied Thrush. . . . 



Ouvier's Golden-crested 
Wren. 



Surnia ulula. Canada Owl. Day 
Owl. Is occasionally found in 
severe Winters. One was shot at 
Haddington, near Philadelphia, in 
18C6. (W.) 

Conorus Carolinensis. Paeakeet. 
Occurs at rare. intervals in Southern 
Pennsylvania. (S.) 

Crotophaga ani. A specimen killed 
near Philadelphia, in September, 
1849, is now in the museum of the 
Academy of Natural Sciences. (S.) 

Picoides arcticus. Black - backed 
Three -toed Woodpecker. This 
species is occasionally seen in the 
northern counties of Pennsylvania. 
Audubon met with it in the forests 
of the Pocono Mountains. It is 
distinct from the Picoides tridac- 
tylus of Europe. 

Milvidus tyrannus. Bonaparte pro- 
cured a specimen of this bird near 
Bridgeton, New Jersey ; another was 
shot by Audubon at Camden, near 
Philadelphia, in June, 1832. (S.) 

Tyrannus verticalis. A specimen, 
shot at Moorestown, New Jersey, 
was obtained by Mr John Cassin in 
the flesh, and is in the Academy 
Museum, Philadelphia. (S.) 

Turdus ncevius. This inhabitant of 
the Pacific coast has once been pro- 
cured in New Jersey. 

Begulus Cuvieri. Audubon killed a 
specimen on the banks of the river 
Schuylkill in June, 1812. It has 
not been seen since, and is only 
known from his description and 
figure. 



42 BIRDS OF EAST PENNSYLVANIA. 

Prothonotary Warbler. Protonotaria citrea. Is an occasional 

straggler to the lower portions of 
Pennsylvania. Mr John Cassin shot 
one near Wilmington. (S.) 

Orange-crowned Warbler. Helminthophaga celata. An example 

of this species was shot on Eanco- 
cas Creek early in February, 1860. 
Chris. Wood also procured a fine 
male in Bucks County, on 2d 
November, 1867. 

Townsend's Warbler. . Dendroica Townsendii. A full- 

plumaged male was shot in Chester 
County, near the Brandywine, 12th 
May, 1868, and now enriches my 
collection. (S.) 

Yellow-throated Warbler. Dendroica superciliosa. A southern 

species, and rare straggler to the 
lower counties of Pennsylvania and 
New Jersey. (S.) 

Small-headed Flycatcher. Myiodioctes minutus. Wilson pro- 
cured this bird in April and June 
in New Jersey. Audubon mentions 
having seen it in Kentucky, but it 
has not been found since, and is a 
doubtful species. 

Bohemian Waxwing. . Ampelis garrvlus. Has been occasion- 
ally shot near Philadelphia. It is not 
uncommon on Lake Superior. (W.) 

Bartram's Vireo. . . . Vireo virescens. Professor Baird men- 
tions the probability of this species 
being an occasional visitor. It is 
more properly an inhabitant of 
South America. 

Brown-headed Nuthatch. Sitta pusilla. A southern species, 

and rare visitant to the lower 
counties. (S.) 

Lapland Long- Spur. . Plectrophanes Lapponicus. Lapland 

Lakk Bunting. Very rare, and 
found only in severe Winters. (W.) 



BIRDS OF EAST PENNSYLVANIA. 



43 



Townsend's ^Bunting. 



Blue Grosbeak. 



Yellow-headed Troopial. 



Canada Jay. 



Ground Dove. 



Whooping Crane. 



Euspiza Toiunsenclii. There is but 
one specimen of this bird known; 
it was procured in Chester 
County. This so-called species 
may be only a variety of Euspiza 
A mericana. 

Guiraca cosrulea. A rare straggler to 
the southern counties of Pennsyl- 
vania and New Jersey. It arrives 
in the middle of May. (S.) 

Xanthocephalus icterocephalus. Yel- 
low- headed Blackbird. Dr 
Jackson mentions that this species 
is occasionally seen along the 
Alleghany mountains, where a 
flock appeared in the Autumn 
of 1857. Mr John Krider 

shot a young male near Phila- 
delphia. (S.) 

Perisoreus Canadensis. Whisky 
Jack. A rare straggler to the 
northern counties of Pennsylvania. 
(W.) 

CJiamaepelia passerina. Mr John 
Krider shot a specimen near 
Camden in the Autumn of 1858. 
According to Dr Barton, who gave 
a list of the Birds of Pennsylvania 
in 1799, it was an occasional 
visitant to the neighbourhood 
of Philadelphia about a century 
ago. (S). 

Grus Americanus. Stoek. White 
Ceane. Now very rare. While 
at Beasley's Point in 1857, I saw 
three off the inlet; they were very 
wary and could not be approached. 
In Wilson's time it bred at Cape 
May. 



44 



BIEDS OF EAST PENNSYLVANIA. 



Louisiana Heron. . . 
Yellow- crowned Heron. 



White Ibis. 



Glossy Ibis. 



Wilson's Phalarope. 



Bed Phalarope. . . 



European Woodcock. 
Curlew Sandpiper. . 



Ardea Ludoviciana. This species has 
occasionally been obtained on the 
New Jersey coast. (S.) 

Nyciherodius violaceus. A rare 
straggler from the south. It has 
been seen on the borders of the 
Schuylkill, near Philadelphia. (S.) 

Ibis alba. White Cuelew. A very 
rare visitant so far north. I shot 
one at Great Egg Harbour in the 
Summer of 1858. (S.) 

Ibis falcinellus. Last season (1866) 
Mr John Krider shot a specimen 
just below Philadelphia. At long 
intervals, it has been seen on the 
river Delaware, and also at Egg 
Harbour. (S.) 

Phalaropus Wilsonii. A very rare 
straggler. On the authority of 
Audubon, it has been stated that it 
breeds at Egg Harbour. (S. & A.) 

Phalaropus fulicarius. Called G-BEY 
Phalaeope in Great Britain, where 
it is seldom found in Summer 
plumage. A few examples of this 
species are obtained every season; 
one was shot last September on the 
Delaware, at the mouth of Timber 
Creek, and shown to me by my 
friend, Mr B. A. Hoopes. (S. & A.) 

Scolopax rusticola. A specimen was 
killed at Shrewsbury, New Jersey, 
in 1859. 

Tringa subarquata. Occasionally shot 
at Egg Harbour. Wilson must 
have met with it, as in his port- 
folio of drawings I found a figure 
of this bird in Autumn plumage. 
(S. & A) 



BIRDS OF EAST PENNSYLVANIA. 



45 



Ruff. 



Corn Crake. 



Purple Gallinule. 



Trumpeter Swan- 



Lesser Snow Goose. 



Hutchin's Goose. 



Machetes pugnax. Stragglers from 
Europe have occasionally been 
found on Long Island, and a single 
individual was met with on the 
coast of New Jersey. 

Crex pratensis. A specimen shot at 
Salem is now in the collection of 
the Academy of Sciences. Another 
was procured near Bordentown, 
New Jersey, by Mr John Krider. 
It is known as a Summer visitant 
to Greenland. (S.) 

Gallinula martinica. A very rare 
straggler from the south; it has 
been met with on the Jersey coast; 
and Mr John Krider informs me 
that he shot a fine specimen 
on League Island in September, 
1848. (S.) 

Cygnus buccinator. This noble bird 
— peculiar to the Continent west 
of the Mississippi — is included, on 
the authority of reliable sportsmen, 
who have shot it on the Chesapeake, 
as also Delaware Bay. It must be 
a rare straggler, however, and I 
have not noticed it in the Phila- 
delphia market, where the Wild or 
"Whistling Swan" (Cygnus Ameri- 
canus) is so frequently seen every 
Winter. (W.) 

Anser albatus. Mr John Cassin pro- 
cured, in the Philadelphia market, 
two pairs, in the course of twenty 
years, of this inhabitant of North- 
West America. (W.) 

Bernicla Hutchinsii. Occasionally 
seen as far south as Chesapeake 
Bay. (W.) 



46 



BIRDS OF EAST PENNSYLVANIA. 



Black Brent Goose. 



English Teal. . . 



English Wigeon. 

Harlequin Duck. 
Eider Duck. . . . 
King Duck. . . . 



Bough-billed Pelican. 

Brown Pelican. . . 
Leach's Petrel. . . 



Bernicla nigricans. Black Brant. 
One was procured by Mr George 
N. Lawrence at Egg Harbour in 
January, 1846; and flocks have 
been seen since at rare intervals. 
Mr John Krider acquaints me of 
having received several specimens 
from the coast. (W.) 

Nettion crecca. Green- winged Teal. 
Has occasionally been met with. 
Mr J. G. Bell, New York, tells me 
it is not very uncommon on the 
shores of Nova Scotia and New- 
foundland. (W.) 

Mareca penelope. Wigeon. This 
is also a straggler from Europe, 
some being met with almost every 
season. (W.) 

Fuligula histrionica. Lord and Lady 
Duck. A very rare visitant from 
the north to the sea-shore. (W.) 

Somateria mollissima. Shoal Duck. 
Has been seen occasionally at Egg 
Harbour. (W.) 

Somateria spectabilis. King Eider. 
Has also been observed at Egg Har- 
bour during severe Winters; the 
specimens obtained being generally 
young birds. (W.) 

Pelecanus erytlirorhynclws. White 
Pelican. Has been seen at rare 
intervals on the Delaware, and on 
the sea-coast near Cape May. 

Pelecanus fuscus. One was shot off 
Sandy Hook in 1837. (S.) 

Thalassidroma Leachii. Eork-tailed 
Petrel. Occasionally seen off the 
coast. During a gale in August, 
1842, a number were driven inland. 



BIRDS OF EAST PENNSYLVANIA. 47 

Stormy Petrel. . . . Thalassidroma pelagica. Mother 

Carey's Chicken. Has been found 
off the coast. One was captured 
under Market Street Bridge a few 
years ago. 

Manx Shearwater. . . Puffinus anglorum. An accidental 

visitor to the coast, generally 
appearing in Autumn.. (S.) 

Dusky Shearwater. . . Puffinus obscurus. An occasional 

straggler along the sea-shore, from 
the south. (S.) 

Pomarine Skua. . . . Stercorarius pomarinus. Has been 

found on the coast in Winter. One 
specimen was taken at Harrisburg 
in Summer. (W.) 

Arctic Skua. .... Stercorarius parasiticus. Kichard- 

son's Skua. Sometimes appears 
on the coast. Mr Krider shot one 
on the meadows to the south of 
Philadelphia. (W.) 

Caspian Tern. . . . Sterna Caspia. Specimens have been 
• * procured from the coast of New 
Jersey at rare intervals. (W.) 

Eoyal Tern Sterna regia. Also very rare. This 

bird is distinct from Sterna Gayana 
of South America. (S.) 

Sandwich Tern. . . . Sterna cantiaca. A specimen of this 

straggler from the Gulf States was 
shot on Grassy Bay in August, 
1861. (S.) 

Black Guillemot. . . Uriagrylle. Guillemot. Occasionally 

migrates as far south as Cape May 
in Winter. (W.) 

Bridled Guillemot. . . Uria lachrymans. Murre. Kinged 

Guillemot. Foolish Guillemot. 
Occasionally met with on the coast 
in Winter. It is doubtful if the 
true Uria troile of Europe has yet 
been seen in the United States. 



48 BIRDS OF EAST PENNSYLVANIA. 

For an account of the distribution 
of this bird in the British Islands, 
see "Gray's Birds of the West of 
Scotland." (W.) 

Little Auk Mergulus alle. Little Eotchie. 

Occasionally shot at Egg Harbour 
and along the coast. (W.) 



BIEDS WHICH HAVE DISAPPEARED. 

CONCLUDING REMARKS. 

Since the eastern provinces have become more densely populated, 
many of the larger and more wary species of birds have changed 
their course of migration, and now reach the arctic regions by a 
route taking them towards the interior of the continent; and there 
are also some, formerly known as Summer visitants, which have now 
a more southern limit. Parrots, for example, (Conorus Caroli- 
nensis), are at the present day rarely found north of the Carolinas ; 
while Wild Turkeys, which were once abundant, although still 
to be met with in suitable localities, are now in very limited 



BIRDS OF EAST PENNSYLVANIA. 49 

numbers. In a rare tract printed in 1648, entitled "A Description 
of New Albion " — a name at one time applied to this part of the 
country — we read of four or five hundred Turkeys forming a 
single flock. The Pinnated Grouse (Cupidonia cupido) is another 
interesting bird which has become nearly extinct in East Penn- 
sylvania, and entirely so, it is believed, in New Jersey. The 
Whooping Crane (Grus Americanus) may also be said to have 
disappeared, not even a straggler having been seen for some years. 
It likewise seems to have been once very plentiful; for we read 
in Hakluyt's Voyages, Ed. 1589, fol. 729, that Captain Philip 
Amadas and his fellow-adventurers, who visited and explored the 
coast in the year 1584, "having discharged their harquebus-shot, 
such a flocke of Cranes (the most part white) arose, with such a 
crye, re-doubled by many ecchoes, as if an armie of men had 
showted altogether." The Brown or Sandhill Crane (Grus Cana- 
densis) has not been seen in this region for many years past, 
although it is still not uncommon in the west. The learned 
Professor Kalm, who travelled in this country in 1748-49, and 
resided some time at Swedesborough, N. J., noticed this bird on its 
northern flight about the middle of February. At that time they 
usually alighted, but remained for a short time only, every Spring, 
in comparatively limited numbers; but he was assured by a 
colonist, above ninety years of age, that in his youth (or about the 
year 1670) Cranes came in hundreds. The Eough-billed Pelican 
(Pelecanus erythrorhynchus) was also frequent on the Hudson and 
the Delaware, but is now a very rare visitant to the last-men- 
tioned river only. 

While ornithologists, however, have to deplore the diminution 
in the number of the more conspicuous birds which has taken place 
during the last century, it is gratifying to find a very sensible 
increase in the number of other species. Many of the Warblers, 
for example, then considered rare, are now found to be abundant — 
a beneficial increase, for which we are no doubt indebted to the 
fact of our efficient game laws providing for the protection of 
insectivorous birds. But on the other hand, the constant shooting 
of " Bay Snipe " and shore birds generally, by market gunners, 
always on the watch for their arrival, has seriously reduced the 
flocks of many species formerly known to abound in districts now 
but thinly peopled by this interesting class. The late Mr George 



50 BIRDS OF EAST PENNSYLVANIA. 

Ord assured the writer that, during his excursions to the coast 
with Wilson, the distinguished ornithologist, the Avocet, Stilt, and 
other Waders which are becoming rare in our day, were then quite 
plentiful; so that there is every reason to fear that, in the course 
of a few years more, they also may disappear. In Chesapeake 
Bay, the Winter resort of a great variety of wild fowl, birds, 
although still numerous, are, through the same influences, becom- 
ing every year less abundant; and unless the present reprehensible 
and most destructive system of shooting — wholesale slaughter, it 
may with propriety be called — be rigidly put down, the decrease 
will, in all likelihood, become permanent, to the great regret of 
every true -minded naturalist. We have but to look into the 
history of some of the birds of the British Islands, as a warning 
against the continuance of the destroying influences to which many 
of those of our own country are now subjected. During the past 
thirty years the Eapacious Birds of Great Britain have undergone 
an amount of persecution so determined and systematic, that many 
of the species have altogether disappeared; and as by the latest 
records of the meetings of the British Association assembled at 
Norwich, it would appear that even sea-fowl are now in danger of 
extirpation, owing to the extraordinary demand for their plumes 
and feathers for marketable purposes, it may not be out of place 
for the ornithologists of this great continent to consider the pro- 
priety of protecting, even now, some of the species thus proclaim- 
ing by their scarcity, that the time may not be far distant when 
we too may have to lament their loss. 



THE END. 



Glasgow: printed by arch. k. murray and co. 



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